Destination Weddings: 7 Tips for Smooth Sailing

No longer an option only for the rich and famous, destination weddings have increased in popularity with couples seeking exotic locales and wanting to eliminate the hassles of wedding planning . Here, we share seven important tips for booking your wedding away.

Tip #1: Consider the time of yearResorts and all-inclusive properties offer great deals for brides and grooms looking to wed in paradise. However, if you’re planning to exchange vows during peak seasons (holidays, summer months), expect to pay premium prices. Also, August—October is mid-hurricane season in the Caribbean. If you’re planning an island wedding around that time, be sure to inquire upon a cancellation policy for your trip.

Tip #2: Book a destination wedding at a location/with a provider that meets your standardIf you’re feeling unsure about a particular location or not impressed with the level of service, keep checking around until you find a destination and/or accommodations that are in line with your wants and wishes. If you have found the perfect place, but the packages are a bit on the pricey side, try calling the venue and letting them know that you’re interested in booking a destination wedding and are curious as to what’s available in your price range. Believe it or not, most vendors are willing work with you and your budget. Besides, it never hurts to ask.

Tip #3: Research the requirements for obtaining a marriage certificate in that areaNot all states, provinces and countries follow the same rules in regard to weddings. Even if you are working with a wedding planner provided by your resort or through a destination wedding service, take time to brush up on the laws and requirements for acquiring a marriage certificate where your ceremony will take place. Understanding how, when and where to pick up the marriage certificate will definitely save you lots of time and stress.

Tip #4: Give friends and family ample time to make preparationsIf you’re inviting others to share with you on your big day, give your guests plenty of advance notice by sending out save-the-date cards. With the ever-increasing price of airfare, your guests will appreciate having a jump start on travel plans.

Tip #5: Choose a wedding photographer who’s familiar with the venueYou don’t want to entrust your wedding photos to just anyone. Find a destination weddings photographer who knows the area inside and out, or arrange for him/her to visit the venue before the big day. A good photographer will want to know the venue inside and out before your wedding to give you unique shots that reflect the style, lighting, and mood of the location.

Tip #6: Never select an all-inclusive package if it doesn’t fit your needs An "all-inclusive" or "most-inclusive" approach to making the wedding arrangements can help to ease some of the stress, energy and time it can take to plan a destination weddings . However, if your guest list is small (or if it’s just the two of you), mo...

Destination Weddings: Real Copules Weigh In

Destination weddings are great for couples seeking romance and adventure. But planning an away wedding can come with its fair share of surprises. To help you avoid travel trip-ups and planning pitfalls, we've asked real couples to share their personal accounts in preparing for a wedding away.

Brian and Michal Liske, New York CityMarried: February 2008Destination: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic"We realized that we didn’t have many options for the photographer and the band and had to use the local company that was contracted through the resort. In hindsight, we should have gone with a DJ since we didn’t get to preview bands. Although the band could have used a few more lessons, everyone still had an amazing time — how could you NOT have fun with all your favorite people on the beach?!"

Steve and Donna Thompson, AtlantaMarried: July 2007 Destination Wedding Location: Catalina Island (Avalon, Calif.)"Keep it small and intimate (we had approximately 20 guests), and don't have a huge bridal party—there's less drama and you'll avoid dealing with everyone’s likes and dislikes. We didn't have a bridal party at all, or even a best man or maid of honor. Our family and close friends were our witnesses at the. Having a smaller, more intimate wedding, you'll be able to enjoy everyone there and not be rushed to make rounds to see everyone."Steve and Kathryn Post, New OrleansMarried: April 2007 Destination Wedding Location: Soufriere, St. Lucia"One tip for getting married overseas: many places require residency there before you can get married, so check with your particular destination. We established residency for a few business days and were married during the week. We also recommend using the wedding coordinator at your resort. It will make things much easier, and most details can be planned before you even arrive."Brian and Deanna Miller, Greensboro, N.C.Married: September 2007Destination: Kill Devil Hills, N.C."Stay at a different hotel than your guests' host hotel—and don't tell them where you'll be! Even though I wanted to see my friends and family, it would have been overwhelming and very intrusive to stay at the host hotel. My fiancee (now husband) and I could relax without worrying about people knocking on our hotel door!"

Jorge and Heather Lopez, Santa Ana, Calif.Married: August 2008Destination: Paradise Island, Bahamas"The hardest part about having a destination wedding is playing the role of a travel agent to your friends and family. Since it was international, we had to make sure everyone had a passport and also had to be the ones to provide travel advice (best airlines, taxi vs. rental car, the price of food, etc.). This was hard with 70 people, but in the end it was worth it. Our wedding was beautiful and the hotel did a fabulous job. Plus, our friends and family got to be in paradise together."

Say "I Do" to a Destination Wedding

Many couples dream of saying “I Do” at sunset on the beach or overlooking the countryside atop a beautiful mountain. For this reason, destination weddings are becoming more popular than ever. It is much easier on wedding planning today than in the past. As most travel consultants will tell you, many resorts now have a wedding specialist on-site that can assist with every detail. These wedding professionals will not only help with menus and guestrooms but can also help with floral arrangements, photography and even select the officiant to perform the ceremony. It has truly become a turnkey process for many resorts.

Couples who opt for a destination weddings have the opportunity to really treat their guests to an entire weekend filled with special touches. Welcome gifts placed in guestrooms upon arrival can feature items that are indigenous to the destination. For instance, a beach wedding in Hawaii may welcome guests with a basket of macadamia nuts, a pineapple and other island treats. Optional activities can also be included throughout the weekend to promote mingling amongst guests. This may be a tour of the city, a professional ballgame, snorkeling, hiking, picnic or any other activity for which the destination is known.

Destination wedding allow for great creativity with stationery. Save the Dates are crucial for relaying information regarding travel and accommodations, but can be a lot less formal and more “fun” than the actual wedding invitation. Give your guests a glimpse of what they will experience during the weekend by incorporating a visual element of the locale. Continue the theme and color selection throughout the remainder of stationery including the invitation, programs, place cards, menus, etc.

One word of caution when planning a wedding away is the likelihood that those most important to you will not be able to make the journey. If your elderly grandparents aren’t able to travel they’ll likely miss ...

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